Public Service Formats Showcase at MIPCOM

The EBU Public Service Formats Showcase is a new initiative of the EBU Formats Forum, bringing a curated selection of original public service media formats to MIPCOM, in Cannes, France, for the first time.

European public service media produce some of the most original and distinctive formats in the world, across entertainment, factual entertainment, talent, game shows, and hybrid genres. Yet this creative output is not always visible on the international market. The EBU Public Service Formats Showcase changes that.

In a single focused hour, seven EBU Member broadcasters will present their strongest original formats to an international audience of producers, distributors, commissioners, and buyers. Each presentation combines a short trailer with a live market pitch: compact, direct, and designed for deal-makers.

This is not a showcase of broadcasters, it is a showcase of ideas and a signal of what European public service media can offer to the global formats conversation.

The session is open to all accredited MIPCOM delegates. 

Session format

Seven selected formats will be presented during the session. Each format receives a 7-minute slot comprising:

• A trailer or programme excerpt (max 3 minutes)
• A live pitch and presentation (max 4 minutes)

The session is hosted by an EBU moderator and may include a short Q&A at the close of the programme.

Call for proposals

Applications are open from 30 June to 21 July 2026

EBU Active Members are invited to submit an original public service format for consideration. Seven formats will be selected by the EBU Formats Experts group for presentation at MIPCOM.

Who can apply?

Any EBU Active Member may submit one format for consideration, provided:

• The format has been broadcast on an EBU Member network in 2026, or is scheduled for broadcast on an EBU Member network. Formats not yet broadcast are eligible, provided sufficient materials are available for market presentation
• The format is PSM-owned, or is a PSM organization's original adaptation of an existing format
• The submitting organization is an EBU Active Member in good standing

Priority will be given to EBU Members who do not ordinarily screen content at MIPCOM.

Selection criteria

The Formats Experts will assess submissions on:

• PSM values: originality, public interest, editorial ambition, social relevance
• Format travel potential:  plausible adaptation, co-production or licensing opportunities across Europe
• Creative distinctiveness: something genuinely original, or a compelling example of a genre that works well on PSM
• Ratings performance (for already-broadcast formats only): evidence of strong audience performance relative to channel average or slot benchmark
• Broader impact (for already-broadcast formats only): critical recognition, audience engagement, social reach, or contribution to public debate

The selected programmes will reflect a balance of genres, territories, and Member types.

Selected Participants

Selected organizations are required to:

• Be present on-site at MIPCOM on 13 October (no remote presentations)
• Submit a final trailer and timed presentation slide deck by 7 September
• Obtain their own MIPCOM accreditation and cover their own travel and accommodation costs

The EBU will endeavour to facilitate access to discounted MIPCOM accreditation for participating organizations not already registered.

How to apply

Complete the online submission form by 21 July 2026 (23h59 CET). You will be asked to provide:

• Broadcaster, country, format name, format owner, and producer
• Production dates and broadcast information
• A written statement (max 400 words) on how your format meets the showcase objectives
• Supporting materials: format bible, pitch deck, and trailer (all optional but strongly encouraged)

APPLY HERE

Download the full terms and conditions

For questions about the call for proposals or the event, please contact Matthew Trustram, EBU Head of TV

This event is an initiative of the EBU Formats Forum.